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Tag: 1950’s fashion

Vintage Fashion Spotlight: Vicky Vaughn

Are you ready to take a chic step back in time to the 1950s and 1960s? When Vicky Vaughn Junior Fashions were the must-have for stylish young people around the country. From a variety of pastel-colored, boxy plaid skirts to the classic form-fitting sheath dress, Vicky Vaughn was a popular go-to designer.

In this article, you’ll learn the history of this fashion line, see the vintage ads and be mesmerized by the stunning real life examples of 1950s & 1960s dresses.

Let’s begin!

1950s Fashion: 1950s Vicky Vaughn Junior Early 50s Fit & Flare with wide strips in brown, blue, grey and white.

Source: Bobbins & Bombshells


Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.


Vintage Fashion Spotlight: Vicky Vaughn

Vicky Vaughn History

Vicky Vaughn was the junior division of R & M Kaufmann, Inc in Aurora, Illinois (NOT an actual designer).  The Kaufman brothers began making ladies dresses in the 1920s.  They built their business by producing high quality but moderately priced dresses and sleepwear.  The company was able to keep prices low by mass producing garments in their own factories.  In fact, their motto was “Only the LOOK is expensive.”  Sales grew steadily through the use of full page advertisements in Seventeen, Mademoiselle and Charm magazines as well as the use of live television commercials on shows such as “Beat the Clock.”  The Kaufmann’s also produced the Toni Todd line for misses sizes.  The company was sold to Russ Togs in 1969 (Source).

Vintage 1950s & 1960s Fashion Advertising

1951 fashion ad featuring some pretty fantastic 1950s dresses.

Oh my, they are all so beautiful, I just don’t know which one I would pick!

1950s Fashion Advertisement featuring Three 1950s Vicky Vaughn Junior Dresses.

Source: Pinterest

“Campus Cottons from Vicky Vaughn”. 1953 fashion ad.

I simply adore all these dress styles (especially the green one).

1950s Fashion: "Campus Cottons from Vicky Vaughn". 1953 fashion ad featuring beautiful 1950s dresses.

Source: Pinterest

1956 fashion ad featuring dresses in the prettiest of summer plaid (checks).

1950s Fashion: 1956 fashion ad featuring Vicky Vaughn dresses in the prettiest of summer plaid (checks). Pretty 1950s dresses.

Source: Pinterest

‘Tippi’ Hedren modeling a Vicky Vaughn dress (1954).

Note: The next photo is the leaf dress for sale RIGHT NOW! It’s more stunning in real life!

1950s Fashion Ad: 'Tippi' Hedren modeling Vicky Vaughn fashion (1954)

Source: Pinterest

A 1950s black and white check sleeveless cotton wiggle dress with scoop neck. The dress features leaf shaped appliques (dress is in the above ad). FANTASTIC!

1950s Fashion: A 1950s Vicky Vaughn black and white check sleeveless cotton wiggle dress with scoop neck. The dress features leaf shaped appliques. So Cute!

Source: Etsy – Nightofjoyvintage

The bigger the skirt, the cutier the dress gets. 1955 fashion ad featuring three outstanding full skirt dresses.

1950s Fashion Ad from 1955 featuring Vicky Vaughn 1950s dresses. Big Full skirts on the dresses with the prettiest of patterns.

1958 fashion ad. The dress with the bows is so lovely.

1950s fashion Ad from 1958 featuring Vicky Vaughn dresses. A Fit & Flare Dress and a two piece skirt and oversized top.

“Red Carpet looks with a spanish feel’ – 1960s vintage fashion ad (possibly 1960).

1960s Fashion Ad for Vicky Vaughn Junior 1960s (possibly 1960s) Dresses.

Source: Pinterest

1960 ad featuring 1960s dresses perfect for spring time rides on a bike.

1960s fashion ad for Vicky Vaughn dresses featuring 1960 Fit and Flare Dresses perfect for spring time.

Source: Pinterest

1960s Fashion Ad for Vicky Vaughn 1968 jersey shift dresses.

So fun! Love the Monopoly themed ad.

1960s Fashion Ad for Vicky Vaughn 1968 Jersey Shift Dresses featuring a Monopoly themed ad.

Source: Flickr

Marian McKnight, Miss America 1957, in John Wolf’s Everglaze taffetized cotton dress by Vicky Vaughn Juniors for R. & M. Kaufman (Source).

1950s Photo: Marian McKnight, Miss America 1957, in John Wolf's Everglaze taffetized cotton dress by Vicky Vaughn Juniors for R. & M. Kaufman

Sourve: Digital.hagley.org

Real Life Vintage Vicky Vaughn Junior Dress Examples


Note: I have put together a collection on ETSY of Vicky Vaughn dresses that is updated monthly).  eBay also has these dresses available if you don’t find what your looking for on Etsy.


1950s Vicky Vaughn turquoise halter dress with matching bolero and belt with tassel embroidery.

1950s fashion: 1950s Vicky Vaughn turquoise halter dress with matching bolero and belt with tassel embroidery.

Source: Etsy – ScoutedVintage

1950s Vicky Vaughn Tulips dress as seen in the vintage advertisement from the same time period. I LOVE when the matching ad is found (or catalog page).

1950s Fashion: 1950s Vicky Vaughn Tulips dress as seen in a 1950s vintage advertisement.
1950s Fashion: 1950s Vicky Vaughn Tulips dress

Source: Etsy – Vintagevavavoomz

1950’s lemon meringue color, embroidered shelf-bust full skirt dress with semi-sheer peekaboo panel. Adorable!

1950s Fashion: vintage 1950's dress ...pretty VICKY VAUGHN lemon meringue color, embroidered shelf-bust full skirt dress with semi-sheer peekaboo panel

Source: Etsy – traven7

Darling vintage 1950s classic Vicky Vaughn fit and flare style dress in 2 layers – blue floral acetate/nylon with matching blue floral nylon chiffon overlay.

1950s Fashion: Darling vintage 1950s classic Vicky Vaughn fit and flare style dress in 2 layers - blue floral acetate/nylon with matching blue floral nylon chiffon overlay.

Source: Etsy – RetrouverBizVintage

1950s Vicky Vaughn turquoise blue cotton fit & flare dress.

1950s Fashion: Lovely turquoise blue cotton dress / Vicky
Vaughn 1950’s fit & flare dress - button front with side metal zipper - eyelet embroidered bodice - full pleated skirt bottom - Bloused top with full sleeves button closure on sleeves -  The perfect spring summer dress in vibrant color!

Source: Etsy – DarlingDawnVintage

Gorgeous coral pink early 1950s cotton frock by Vicky Vaughn Junior. Charming big patch pockets, white appliqué.

1950s Fashion: Gorgeous coral pink 1940s/ early 1950s cotton frock by Vicky Vaughn Junior. Charming big patch pockets, white appliqué.

Source: Etsy – SkirtChaserVintageLA

1950s scarf print dress with the cutest bows on the shoulders.

1950s Fashion: 1950s Vicky Vaughn Scarf Print Dress with a full skirt and bows on the shoulders.

Source: dethrosevintage.com

1960s Vicky Vaughn mini dress in a pretty light blue with a cute bow at the waist and lace on the cuffs and waistline.

1960s Fashion: 1960s Vicky Vaughn Mini Dress in a pretty light blue with a cute bow at the waist and lace on the cuffs and waistline.

Source: Etsy – BackToCamelotVintage

Adorable vintage 1950’s zoo animal novelty print cotton day dress.

1950s Fashion: Adorable vintage 1950's zoo animal novelty print cotton day dress.

Source: Etsy- zwzzy

1950s pink floral fit and flare dress. A fantastic cocktail dress.

1950s Fashion: 1950s pink floral fit and flare dress from Vicky Vaughn. A fantastic cocktail dress.

Source: Etsy – LoQueFueBoutiqueShop

What a fun dress! A 1960’s yellow & white lace chiffon mini GoGo dress that feels a bit 1920s.

1960s Fashion: Vicky Vaughn 1960's Yellow White Lace Chiffon Mini GoGo Dress

Source: Etsy – JellyEyesVintage

I don’t know about you, but until I stumbled upon the first dress in this post online from Bobbins & Bombshells, I had never heard of Vicky Vaughn, but boy did that dress catch my attention. STUNNING! I can now say that I’m a fan and will 100% be looking for this label when I am out vintage shopping.

Question Time: Have you heard of this fashion line? Do you own a Vicky Vaughn? What dress did you love above? Share any thoughts about this post in the comments section below.

Further Reading:

Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Ceil Chapman

Ceil Chapman was an American fashion designer who worked in New York City from the 1940s to the 1960s. She was noted for creating glamorous cocktail and party dresses and for working with celebrity clients including television and movie actresses.

1950s vintage image of Debbie Reynolds tries on a 1950s wedding dress with the help of designer Ceil Chapman.

Image:1950s image of Debbie Reynolds tries on a wedding dress with the help of designer Ceil Chapman. (Photo by Seymour Wally/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

For today’s ‘Vintage Fashion Designer‘ spotlight, we will be learning about Ceil’s background in fashion and then taking a look at her stunning fashion designs (as seen thru vintage ads, vintage images & real life dresses avail to purchase).

Let the fashion show begin!

“Here’s one house that understands the importance of the cocktail dress,” 

Women’s Wear Daily 
Vintage image of Fashion Designer 1940s-1970s Ceil Chapman
1950s Fashion Designer: Ceil Chapman-1950s Fashion label


Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.


Vintage Fashion Designer Spotlight: Ceil Chapman

Highlights of Ceil’s Life & Career:

  • Born Cecilia Mitchell (1912), she spent her childhood in Rosebank, Staten Island. She moved to Manhattan with her family as a teenager.

  • As a young girl, Chapman designed and made her own clothes. She made her first formal dress when she was 15 years old.

  • She became a Chapman when she married her first husband Samuel, with whom she went into business in 1940.

  • According to her son, Peter Chapman, Ceil Chapman had no formal design training, but learned by working as a “buyer and business woman in the fashion industry”.

  • Peter also stated, that she had design skills akin to engineering and indeed, if one studies her skillful draping and tucking and folding of fabric, it is clear as to what he meant.

  • She wore exclusively black during the day, and almost always wore white for evening functions.

  • She never attended French fashion shows, preferring not to be influenced by Paris when designing for American woman.

  • Chapman was among those who succeeded in adapting Christian Dior’s “New Look” for relatively affordable cocktail wear targeted toward the American ready-to-wear market.

  • Chapman patented numerous designs between 1954 and 1960.

  • Ceil Chapman was reportedly Marilyn Monroe’s favorite fashion designer.

  • She provided the trousseau for Elizabeth Taylor’s 1950 wedding to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton.

  • Other celebrity clients included Deborah Kerr, Greer Garson, Grace Kelly and Aretha Franklin.

  • Several of Chapman’s designs, including a 1948 wedding dress, a late 1940s dress, and three 1950s cocktail dresses, are in the collection of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  • Chapman died after a two-year illness on Friday, July 13, 1979 (Source).

Further reading about Ceil’s life HERE.


Her Fashion Designs as seen in Vintage Images and Vintage Advertising

Barbara Mullen in Ceil Chapman, photo by Toni Frissell, Washington D.C., Vogue, 1952

1950s Fashion: Barbara Mullen in Ceil Chapman, photo by Toni Frissell, Washington D.C., Vogue, 1952 - 1950s Evening gown / 1950s Dress

Source: Pinterest

Firth Floor Coverings – 1951 featuring a 1950s housewife in a Ceil Chapman dress.

Ceil was astute and derived additional income by lending her name and stylish image for advertising purposes to include Cadillac, which featured elegantly Chapman-dressed models draped over luxury cars. Ceil even appeared, pictured in her studio, in advertisements on behalf of Western Union Telegrams and Playtex (Source).

1950s Vintage Ad for Firth Floor Coverings - 1951 featuring a 1950s housewife in a Ceil Chapman dress. Super Early 1950s Home decor ad.

Source: eBay

As mentioned above here is a Western Union Telegram ad featuring Ceil, photo by Peter Benech, 1956.

1950s vintage ad: American fashion designer Ceil Chapman for Western Union Telegram ad, photo by Peter Benech, 1956

Source: Pinterest

Late 1940s Fashion-1949 Hollywood, CA- Vivid green, coral blue and yellow are combined in the tropical print frock by Ceil Chapman, designed for actress Elizabeth Taylor’s own wardrobe. The colorful afternoon dress features a deep plunging neckline and a pert stand-up collar. The full skirt, with deep pockets hidden in its folds, is topped by a fitted, short-sleeved bodice and a self belt.

Late 1940s Fashion-1949 Hollywood, CA- Vivid green, coral blue and yellow are combined in the tropical print frock by Ceil Chapman, designed for actress Elizabeth Taylor's own wardrobe. The colorful afternoon dress features a deep plunging neckline and a pert stand-up collar. The full skirt, with deep pockets hidden in its folds, is topped by a fitted, short-sleeved bodice and a self belt.

Source: Getty Images

Gown by Ceil Chapman in an ‘Old Gold’ cigarette ad, 1951.

1950s vintage ad for old gold cigarettes featuring a 1950s evening gown by Ceil Chapman

Source: Pinterest

1950s vintage photo of Marilyn Monroe in Korea 1954 in a Ceil Chapman designed purple dress. Marilyn loved the dress so much she asked the designer to make her an identical dress in black.

1950s vintage photo of Marilyn Monroe in Korea 1954 in a Ceil Chapman designed purple dress. Marilyn loved the dress so much she asked the designer to make her an identical dress in black.

Source: Pinterest

1954 Vogue Magazine image of fashion model Evelyn Tripp in a Ceil Chapman gown.

1950s vintage image of Evelyn Tripp Wearing a 1950s dress by Ceil Chapman in 1954 vogue magazine

Source: Fine Art America

1960s Vintage Ad for Kotex featuring a 1962 dress by Ceil Chapman and a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible.

1960s Vintage Ad for Kotex featuring a 1962 Dress by Ceil Chapman and a Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible.

Source: eBay

Model in layered and ruffled nylon tulle gown, Vogue, October 1, 1950 for ‘William Winklers-Nylon tulle.’

1950s Fashion ad as seen in Vogue: Model in layered and ruffled nylon tulle gown by Ceil Chapman, Vogue, October 1, 1950 for Winklers-Nylon tulle.

Source: Pinterest

1955 Vintage ad for Galey & Lord.

“PARTY MANNERS – The “little-girl-look” assumes a sophisticated manner with the famous Ceil Chapman touch. For that demure but very delectable air…a winged collar and pyramids of white crocheted lace. On gossamer Galey & Lord cotton, of course”.

1950s vintage ad for Galey & Lord featuring a 1950s Dress by Ceil Chapman

Source: Pinterest

I just finishd travelling for a month and let me tell you, having outfits that can do multiple things is a MUST. I just love that Ceil feels the same way with this long skirt that has matching shorts. Plus you can wear the jacket or not for either outfit. Love it! -1950s magazine layout.

1950s Fashion: Travel Outfit by Ceil Chapman for women featuring a skirt that becomes shorts.

Source: Alamy.com

Dressmaker Suit as seen in a 1950s Spadea Pattern Catalog (avail HERE as of April 2023).

Spadea Brand patterns were publicized in Life magazine during the 1950s and 1960s and sold via mail order. The catalog states: American Designers Patterns are original current models from the finest American houses by the top fashion creators in the country. The individuality of the designers, their handling of material… their theories of design are faithfully and strictly followed – so when you buy an American Designers Pattern, you are buying the blueprint of the original, not a copy (Source-Etsy)

1950s Fashion: Ceil Chapman Dressmaker Suit as seen in a 1950s Spadea Pattern Catalog

Source-Etsy CloesCloset

Spadea designer sewing pattern from the 1950s. This cocktail dress design by Ceil Chapman is incredibly flattering with a wide, scooped neckline, bodice and skirt drapery, and short sleeves.

1950s Fashion / 1950s Sewing Pattern: Spadea designer sewing pattern from the 1950s. This cocktail dress design by Ceil Chapman is incredibly flattering with a wide, scooped neckline, bodice and skirt drapery, and short sleeves
1950s Fashion: 1950s dress for evening by Ceil Chapman shown next to it's sewing pattern Fashion Illustration.

Source: Etsy – Mrsdewpew

1952 Fashion ad: “Charm handled in the Ceil Chapman manner – black embroidery etched on bright white organdy, with jersey top $110”.

1950s vintage ad from 1952 featuring a 1950s skirt and top by Ceil Chapman at the French Shop

Source: eBay

Examples of Ceil Champman in “Real Life”

1950’s Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.
1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950's Ceil Chapman powder blue silk satin, white tulle skirt evening gown.

Source: 1stdibs.com

1950s fit and flare shape satin gown in a dusty blue.

1950s Fashion: 1950s fit and flare shape satin gown in a dusty blue by Ceil Chapman

Source: Etsy – VintageBibandTucker

1950s Wedding Dress by Ceil Chapman.

Silver beads, crystas, paillettes and cord floral vine design peplum skirt. Strapless, boned bodice has fold over petal.

Rich and luxurious duchesse satin has beautiful drape and movement.

1950s Fashion / 1950s Wedding Dress. 1950s Ceil Chapman wedding dress.

Source: Vintage Bride

1958 silk tulle & taffeta ballgown in a couple of shades of green. Love those colours!

1950s fashion: 1958 silk tulle & taffeta ballgown in a couple of shades of green by Ceil Chapman - 1950s Vintage Fashion designer.

Source: Getty Images

The 1940s dress below is just so simple it is stunning. A 1940s black silk shantung evening dress (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940s Ceil Chapman Black Silk Shantung Evening Dress.

Source: Etsy – CarnelianVintage

1940s Ceil Chapman Dress – Burnt Orange with a high shawl collar (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1940s fashion: Vintage 1940s Ceil Chapman Dress - Burnt Orange - High Shawl Collar

Source: Etsy – bellofbow

1960s long sleeve sequin stripes cocktail party dress (avail as of April 2023 HERE).

1960s Fashion: 1960s Ceil Chapman Dress Tight Black Pencil Dress Long Sleeve Sequin Stripes Cocktail Party Dress

Source: Etsy – Frockittome

1950s Ceil Chapman jewelled rhinestone tear drop black velvet shelf bust dress.

1950s Fashion: 1950s Ceil Chapman Jewelled Rhinestone Tear Drop Black Velvet Shelf Bust Dress

Source: shrimptoncouture.com

I am now going to end this post with my dream dress. DREAM! A 1940s silk chiffon gown in a tropical / floral print. Those colours! Drool.

1940s Fashion: 1940s silk chiffon gown in a tropical / floral print by Ceil Chapman.

Source: liveauctiioneers.com

So many beautiful dresses & cool ads but so little space for this post! I hope you enjoyed learning about Ceil and seeing her stunning creations. I really enjoyed putting this together for you. Share you favourites in the comment section below!


Vintage Shopping: There were so many dresses avail for purchase on Etsy that I have started a collection of them on the site so you can take a look at that ones I could not show on this post. Take a look at the vintage dresses HERE.


Further Reading:

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz